Kyle Pfirrman is 2-1 in seven appearances for Charlotte. |
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Charlotte Rallies For Five Late Runs to Defeat James Madison 5-4
March 3, 2007
Kannapolis, N.C. - The Charlotte 49ers rallied for five runs in the final four innings to come back and defeat James Madison 5-4 at Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium in Kannapolis. The defeat marks the third for JMU in the last 24 hours, sending the Dukes to 1-7 on the season. The Niners improve to 6-0 at home this season (from two off-campus sites) and 9-3 overall.
After a walk and hit batter to start the game, Dukes catcher Steven Caseras knocked in two runs in the first with a double off of Charlotte starter Zach Rosenbaum. Rosenbaum pitched four and one-third innings, allowing just those two runs on two hits, two walks and three hit batsmen. He struck out seven batters in his no-decision.
The Niners had a runner thrown out at home trying to score in the first, but went in order over the next four innings until they took the lead with three runs in the sixth. Following a line out, Charlotte had five straight batters reach safely on four hits and a hit by pitch. Charlotte had three straight RBI singles by Spencer Steedley, Chris Taylor and Brad McElroy to take the lead.
JMU answered with a tying run in the top of the seventh on a pair of doubles off of reliever Kyle Pfirrman. The second double, by center fielder Alex Foltz, knocked in the tying run of Matt Townsend, who led off the inning with the two-bagger.
Charlotte retook the lead in the bottom half of the seventh, on three hits, a sacrifice fly and an error. Catcher Kris Rochelle hit a one-out single up the middle and later scored the go-ahead run on the sacrifice fly by center fielder and fellow senior Cory Lane. Steedley brought home the insurance run on a single to the left side of the infield with two outs, scoring shortstop Shayne Moody for an unearned run.
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Most of the damage came off of Dukes starter Kyle Hoffman. He had JMU's only win of the season, but took the loss in this outing (1-1). He lasted 6.2 Innings, allowing eight hits and two walks, hitting two batters. All five runs were charged to him, though four were earned. He struck out five batters.
The Dukes still had some fight left in the ninth. Townsend hit a leadoff single to center and, after a lineout, Foltz deposited another hit up the middle. Third baseman Mike Fabiaschi brought home Townsend from second with a single to right, but Pfirrman induced right fielder Kellen Kulbacki into a game-ending double play to collect his second win of the season (2-1).
Pfirrman allowed six hits, but only allowed two runs to hold on for the victory. He struck out five and did not allow a walk.
This marks the first time that Charlotte has defeated James Madison twice in one season. Charlotte and JMU finish off the series at noon on Sunday in Kannapolis.
